Potassium citrate (also known as tripotassium citrate) is the potassium salt of citric acid. It is a white, hygroscopic, crystalline powder. It is odorless and has a salty taste. Medically, it can be used to control kidney stones, which consist of uric acid or cystine.
Effect
Pharmacodynamics
Potassium citrate causes changes in the composition of urine, making it less prone to the formation of crystals and stones from salts such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid. Increased levels of citrate in urine lead to complexation with calcium, reducing the activity of calcium ions and the likelihood of calcium phosphate crystal formation. Citrate also inhibits spontaneous crystallization of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.
Pharmacokinetics
Potassium citrate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and excreted in the urine.
Toxicity
Side effects
Mild side effects may occur after taking potassium citrate.
These include:
mild nausea or stomach upset
mild or occasional diarrhea
Contraindications and precautions
A doctor should be contacted and use of potassium citrate should be stopped immediately if the following reactions occur:
confusion
anxiety
irregular heartbeat
extreme thirst and increased urination
discomfort in the legs
muscle weakness
numbness or tingling sensation in your hands or feet or around your mouth
severe stomach pain
persistent diarrhea or vomiting
black, bloody, or tarry stools
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Chemical & physical properties
ATC Code
A12BA02
Formula
K3C6H5O7
Molar Mass (g·mol−1)
306.395
Physical State
solid
Density (g·cm−3)
1.98
Melting Point (°C)
180
Boiling Point (°C)
230
PKS Value
8.5
CAS Number
866-84-2
PUB Number
13344
Drugbank ID
DB09125
Editorial principles
All information used for the content comes from verified sources (recognised institutions, experts, studies by renowned universities). We attach great importance to the qualification of the authors and the scientific background of the information. Thus, we ensure that our research is based on scientific findings.
Markus Falkenstätter, BSc Author
Markus Falkenstätter is a writer on pharmaceutical topics in Medikamio's medical editorial team. He is in the last semester of his pharmacy studies at the University of Vienna and loves scientific work in the field of natural sciences.
Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer Lector
Stefanie Lehenauer has been a freelance writer for Medikamio since 2020 and studied pharmacy at the University of Vienna. She works as a pharmacist in Vienna and her passion is herbal medicines and their effects.
The content of this page is an automated and high-quality translation from DeepL. You can find the original content in German here.
